Yacht Charter Itinerary Marmaris to Marmaris, Turkey

Written by Missy Johnston

Marmaris
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Board your charter yacht or Gulet in Marmaris at midday and sail for Kumlu Buku for lunch beneath the ruins of ancient Amos in picturesque surroundings. Go ashore and stroll around the site of ancient Amos or stay in the bay to enjoy the clear waters for swimming and relaxing.

Bozukkale
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Cruise south to Bozukkale and anchor beneath the Hellenistic citadel of ancient Loaryma, where trade ships heading north and south along the coast once took refuge. Come ashore to visit the ruins of this once great city, including the acropolis, which affords spectacular views of the Aegean. Bozburun, a former sponge fishing village situated at the head of the bay surrounded by low rocky hills, is a charming port and our destination for the evening. Visit the little village of Bozburun which has several antique shops.

Lycian Tombs
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Sail across to the Bay of Ekincik and spend the night at anchor in the southern side of the bay. This is a great time for water sports, swimming and relaxing. Towards dusk, go ashore and dine at “My Marina” restaurant overlooking the bay.

Caunos Theatre Ruins
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Enjoy the Dalyan River Trip to visit Caunos and Dalyan by small riverboat. This tour takes you inland along the reed-lined channels of the Dalyan River delta, where you need to keep an eye out for turtles, herons and kingfishers. At Caunos visit the remains of a theatre, a Byzantine church, a Roman bathhouse and an Agora.

For the adventurous, there is an acropolis on the hill above the site, which rewards the climber with a magnificent view of the entire area. Then head up-river to the town of Dalyan, passing beneath the extraordinary Lycian rock tombs with carved temple faces. Enjoy a brief stroll through the town before returning to the yacht in Ekincik. Overnight in Kizilkuyruk Harbour, a quiet anchorage with a pebbled beach. Ashore, an uphill track leads to the ruins of ancient Lydae.

Gemiler Island Sunken Ruins
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Crossing the Gulf of Fethiye, enjoy lunch at Gemiler Island. Following a relaxing afternoon of swimming and snorkeling over sunken ruins in a protected anchorage between the island and the mainland. Take a tender ashore to explore the island. Walk around the remains of a sizeable Byzantine settlement with the ruins of two churches and a covered walkway. Take advantage of the fabulous view from the summit. Both St. Nicholas and St. Peter visited this island.

Cleopatra’s Baths
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Sailing back into the Gulf of Fethiye, also known as Gocek Bay, the destination is Manastir Bay and the delightful anchorage known as “Cleopatra’s Bay“. Take a walk in the fragrant pine forest or take part in some fun water sports. At the end of the day, snorkel over to the partially submerged ruins of a monastery at the waters edge and spend an hour exploring underwater.

Gocek Bay Tersane Island
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Cruise to Sarsala Bay for a morning swim in crystal-clear waters, followed by lunch in the small harbor on Tersane Island. Tersane was a ship building settlement and there are numerous ruins dating from Byzantine times and later. Our destination is Tomb Bay, named after the temple-tombs and pigeonhole tombs carved in the cliffs above. These tombs can be reached by taking a short climb up the hill from the beach.

Leave for Marmaris and disembarkation.